Resection of the primary tumor in stage IV breast cancer.

ABSTRACT: Stage IV breast cancer refers to breast cancer that has already metastasized to distant regions when initially diagnosed. Treatment for stage IV is intended to "prolong survival and palliate symptoms". Resection of a primary tumor is considered to be "effective only at alleviating chest symptoms and providing local control" in spite of the advances of imaging examination and medication for breast cancer. Molecular target and endocrine drugs are very effective and useful to tailor-make a treatment strategy according to breast cancer subtypes. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography can detect and diagnose the very small metastases and recurrences which can potentially be cured even if they are distant metastases. Recently, many retrospective studies have reported the survival benef

SUBMITTER: Shien T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4014799 | biostudies-literature | 2014 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature